Health strategies to strengthen communities

How do health issues impact neighborhoods?

Economically and racially integrated neighborhoods have more local healthcare providers. ¹

Predominantly Black and low-income neighborhoods are more likely to have shortages of primary care providers, fewer hospitals, more limited access to physicians, and a lower supply of surgeons.

Communities with good environmental quality see better health outcomes. ²

Air pollution contributes to asthma and other respiratory diseases, which increase hospital admissions and lost working days. Water and soil contamination can contribute to higher rates of infant mortality, hamper children’s neurological development, and cause poor health outcomes in adults

Children raised neighborhoods with good environmental quality see better long-term outcomes. ³

Children born in areas with high levels of air and industrial pollution are less likely to graduate from high school and more likely to develop cognitive disabilities, work in low wage jobs, and receive public assistance.

Safe, high-quality housing improves community health. ⁴

Lead contamination, insufficient home insulation, the absence of hot water, pest infestation, mold, inadequate ventilation, and other environmental factors in homes are associated with greater incidences of infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, injuries, poor nutrition, mental disorders, and cognitive development issues.

Neighborhoods with access to fresh and healthy grocery options see better health outcomes ⁵

Neighborhoods without access to fresh and healthy grocery options (food deserts) are associated with poor health outcomes for adults and contribute to higher rates of obesity among preschool-aged children.

Access to parks and green spaces improves community health. ⁶

Residential proximity to neighborhood parks and green spaces is correlated with better physical health, mental health, and general well-being. Individuals have less mental distress, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy cortisol levels when living in areas with access to green space.